Equipment adapter for snowplow attachment

ABSTRACT

An equipment mounting assembly, for attachment of a desired equipment to a snowplow attachment, which comprises a mounting frame with an equipment adapter. A first end of a frame adaptor is pivotally attached, by a horizontal pivot, to a rear portion of the mounting frame to facilitate tilting thereof while a second end of the frame adaptor is engageable with a snowplow attachment. First and second spaced apart support brackets are supported by the mounting frame, and each of the support brackets facilitates coupling the mounting frame to the snowplow attachment. A first end of a frame tilt actuator is supported by the mounting frame while a second end of the frame tilt actuator is attachable to the frame adaptor or and the snowplow attachment so as to facilitate forward and rearward tilting of the mounting frame about a horizontal tilt axis defined by the horizontal pivot.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an adapter for attaching a plurality of different attachments, such as a lift platform attachment, a forklift attachment, a crane attachment, etc., for a conventional snow plow attachment of a vehicle in order to provide all season utility for the conventional snowplow attachment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Snowplow attachments for vehicles, such as for up trucks, are in common use in all regions which receive snow during the winter months and, during those periods outside the typically snow season, or between expected snow storms, the snowplow blades are normally removed from the vehicles. It is common practice to leave the snowplow attachment mechanism—by which the blade of the snowplow is operatively supported, raised, lowered and angled—mounted to the vehicle because of the associated time and effort required to mount and dismount the snowplow attachment mechanism.

The practice of leaving the snowplow attachment mechanisms attached to the vehicle, however, results in some disadvantages and problems. For example, the snowplow attachment mechanism generally serves no function during most of the remainder of year but is typically relatively heavy and mounted on the most forward portion of the vehicle, thereby resulting in increased gas consumption and increased wear on the vehicle's engine, transmission, suspension system and steering mechanism. Moreover, the snowplow attachment mechanism can detract from the overall appearance of the vehicle as well as possibly effecting the performance and steering of the vehicle.

The present invention provides provide some utility to the snowplow attachment mechanism when the blade of the snowplow is not attached hereto which has not, heretofore, been known or available in the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a novel adapter for providing some utility and functionality to the snowplow attachment mechanism which is attached to a front end of the vehicle, when a snow plow is not attached thereto.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an adapter which, in combination with a conventional snowplow attachment mechanism, can generally perform the associated functions of a forklift, a lifting vehicle, a crane, etc.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a versatile equipment mounting assembly which can be readily and quickly connected to a conventional the snowplow attachment mechanism and is adapted to provide at least one desired function, and more preferably is adapted to facilitate providing a plurality of different functions merely by interchanging the piece or type of equipment which is attached to or supported by the equipment mounting assembly.

The present invention also relates to an equipment mounting assembly for releaseable attachment of a desired equipment to a snowplow attachment, the equipment mounting assembly comprising: an equipment mounting frame having at least one equipment adapter for releaseable attachment of the desired equipment thereto; a first end of a frame adaptor is pivotally attached, by a horizontal pivot, to a rear portion of the equipment mounting frame so as to facilitate titling of the equipment mounting frame, and a second end of the frame adaptor being engageable with a forward portion of a frame apex of a snowplow attachment; first and second spaced apart support brackets being supported by the equipment mounting frame, and each of the first and the second support brackets facilitates coupling the equipment mounting frame with the snowplow attachment to provide stability for the equipment mounting assembly; and a first end of a frame tilt actuator being supported by the equipment mounting frame at a located spaced from the frame adaptor, and a second end of the frame tilt actuator being attachable to one of the frame adaptor and the snowplow attachment so as to facilitate forward and rearward tilting of the equipment mounting frame about a horizontal tilt axis defined by the horizontal pivot.

The present invention also relates to a method of releasably attaching desired equipment to a snowplow attachment via an equipment mounting assembly, the method comprising the steps of: providing an equipment mounting frame having at least one equipment adapter for releaseable attachment of the desired equipment thereto; pivotally attaching a first end of a frame adaptor, via a horizontal pivot, to a rear portion of the equipment mounting frame so as to facilitate titling of the equipment mounting frame; engaging a second end of the frame adaptor with a forward portion of a frame apex of a snowplow attachment; supporting first and second spaced apart support brackets by the equipment mounting frame, and the first and the second support brackets facilitate coupling the equipment mounting frame with the snowplow attachment to provide stability for the equipment mounting assembly; and supporting a first end of a frame tilt actuator via the equipment mounting frame, at a located spaced from the frame adaptor, and attaching a second end of the frame tilt actuator to one of the frame adaptor and the snowplow attachment so as to facilitate forward and rearward tilting of the equipment mounting frame about a horizontal tilt axis defined by the horizontal pivot.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate various embodiments of the invention and together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention. It is to be appreciated that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale since the emphasis is instead placed on illustrating the principles of the invention. The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A is diagrammatic side elevational view of a conventional snowplow attachment mechanism having a conventional snow plow affixed thereto;

FIG. 1B is diagrammatic top plan view of the conventional snowplow attachment mechanism and snow plow of FIG. 1, with a portion of the snowplow attachment mechanism eliminated for the sake of clarity;

FIG. 2A is diagrammatic top plan view of the equipment adapter, according to the present invention, shown attached to the conventional snowplow attachment mechanism of FIGS. 1A and 1B, with a portion of the snowplow attachment mechanism eliminated for the sake of clarity;

FIG. 2B is a diagrammatic side elevational view of the equipment adapter, according to the present invention, shown attached to the conventional snowplow attachment mechanism of FIGS. 1A and 1B, with a portion of the snowplow attachment mechanism eliminated for the sake of clarity;

FIG. 2C is a diagrammatic front isometric view of the equipment mounting assembly and equipment adapter shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B;

FIG. 2D is an enlarge diagrammatic top plan view showing a portion of the attachment of the equipment mounting frame to the central forward most portion of the frame apex via the frame adaptor;

FIG. 2E is an enlarge diagrammatic side elevation view showing a portion of the attachment of FIG. 2D;

FIG. 3A is a front exploded isometric view of a lift platform assembly for the equipment mounting assembly and equipment adapter;

FIG. 3B is a front exploded isometric view of a fork lift assembly for an equipment mounting assembly and equipment adapter; and

FIG. 3C is a front exploded isometric view of a crane assembly for an equipment mounting assembly and equipment adapter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring first to FIGS. 1A and 1B, those figures respectively diagrammatic show side and top elevational views of a conventional snow plow attachment 10, mounted to the front end of a vehicle 2, such as a truck. As illustrated therein, the snow plow attachment 10 includes a main base frame 10A which typically takes the form and shape of a horizontally oriented A-frame structure having a leading end, peak or apex 10B extends away from the front of the vehicle 2 and generally forms the forward most point of the main base frame 10A. A central portion of a conventional plow blade 10C is pivotably mounted to the frame apex 10B of the main base frame 10A, in a conventional manner, by a vertical pivot 10D, such as a conventional bolt and nut or a locking pin. The vertical pivot 10D defines a vertical axis V that permits pivoting or angling of the plow blade 10C relative to the main base frame 10A for snow plowing.

The pivoting or angling of the plow blade 10C, about the vertical pivot 10D, is typically controlled by a pair of conventional angling actuators 10E, such as hydraulic cylinders or driven cord and pulley mechanisms, respectively interconnecting the main base frame 10A with respective left and right intermediate sections of the plow blade 10C. The vertical pivot 10D is generally coincident with a central axis A, which bisects of the main base frame 10A, the plow blade 10C and the vehicle 2, into a left side section and a right side section and the vertical pivot 10D extends generally normal to both the central axis A and the ground.

A rearward portion of the chassis mounting mechanism 10G is fixedly connected to a front end of the chassis of the vehicle 2 in a conventional manner, for example by conventional bolts and associated nuts (not shown in detail). A rearmost portion 10F of the main base frame 10A is pivotally connected to a forward most portion of the chassis mount 10G via a pair of conventional bolts and associated nuts, locking pins, or some other fastening member 10I which permits a desired pivoting motion of the main base frame 10A with respect to the chassis mounting mechanism 10G and the chassis of the vehicle 2.

The pivotal connection of the rearmost portion 10F of the main base frame 10A to the forward most portion of the chassis mount 10G, via the fastening members 10I, preferably form a pair of horizontal pivot points which are axially aligned with one another and together define a horizontal axis H about which up-and-down pivoting motion of the apex 10B of the main base frame 10A can occur. Such pivoting motion of the apex 10B facilitates raising and lowering, e.g., altering of the vertical position, of the apex 10B of the main base frame 10A as well as the attached plow blade 10C with respect to the vehicle 2 and the ground.

In a typical embodiment, a vertical frame lift support 10H (see FIG. 1A) is formed integrally with and comprises a fixed and stationary vertical portion of the chassis mounting mechanism 10G. The frame lift support 10H extends generally vertically upward from a forward end of a base of the chassis mounting mechanism 10G. A rear portion 10K, of a generally horizontally extending and triangular or A-shape lift arm 10J, is pivotally connected to the upper most portion of the frame lift support 10H in a conventional manner, e.g., via conventional bolts and associated nuts, locking pins, or some other fastening member which permit pivoting motion of the lift arm 10J with respect to the frame lift support 10H. The forward end 10L of the lift arm 10J is connected, via at least one fixed length lift connecting member 10M such as a conventional chain(s), a cord(s), a rod(s), a linkage(s), etc., to a conventional lift attachment coupling 10N of the main base frame 10A. The lift attachment coupling 10N is integral with and generally located toward a forward most portion of the main base frame 10A so as to facilitate pivoting of the apex 10B of the main base frame 10A, relative to the chassis mounting mechanism 10G and the vehicle 2, about the horizontal axis H.

A lift arm actuator 10O, such as a hydraulic cylinder, interconnects the base of the chassis mounting mechanism 10G with an intermediate section of the lift arm 10J so as to facilitate controllable raising and lowering of the free forward end 10L of the lift arm 10J, relative to the base of the chassis mounting mechanism 10G, and, in turn, thereby permit control of the vertical position of the frame apex 10B of the main base frame 10A and, in turn, the plow blade 10C attached thereto. That is, actuation of the lift arm actuator 10O permits control of the vertical position of the apex 10B of the main base frame 10A and the plow blade 10C to a desired vertical height or orientation, e.g., a full raised position, a fully lowered position or a location anywhere in between those two end positions.

In this regard, it will be noted that for purposes of clarity in disclosing certain features of such prior art snow plow attachment 10, the frame lift support 10H, the lift arm 10J, the lift connecting member 10M and the lift arm actuator 10O are not shown in FIG. 1B thereby allowing an unobstructed view of the main base frame 10A and the plow attachment 10 elements of the main base frame 10A. It is, however, to be appreciated that the locations and relationships of these elements, with respect to the remaining elements of the plow attachment 10, are conventional and will be readily understood with reference to both FIGS. 1A and 1B and the associated description relating of those elements.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C, diagrammatic representations of an equipment mounting assembly 20, according to the present invention, which is suitable for releaseable attachment to virtually any vehicle snowplow attachment 10, generally described above, in order to provide all season utility for a vehicle snowplow attachment 10 will now be described. The equipment mounting assembly 20 comprises an equipment mounting frame 24 having at least one equipment adapter 22 which facilitates attaching a desired one of a plurality of different attachments, such as a lift platform attachment (see FIG. 3A), a forklift attachment (see FIG. 3B), a crane attachment (see FIG. 3C), a variety of other types of farming equipment, etc., to the conventional vehicle snowplow attachment 10. It is to be appreciated that instead of the one or more equipment adapter 22, one or more of the plurality of different attachments may be formed integrally with the equipment mounting assembly 20, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The equipment mounting assembly 20, of the present invention, generally utilizes the above described elements of the conventional snow plow attachment 10 that commonly remain mounted and attached to the vehicle 2 year-round. The elements of the conventional snow plow attachment 10 that are typically utilized with the equipment mounting assembly 20 include, for example, the chassis mounting mechanism 10G, including the frame lift support 10H, the lift arm 10J, the lift connecting member 10M, the lift arm actuator 10O, the main base frame 10A, the pair of horizontal angling actuators 10E, and their associated electrical and hydraulic components, as normally assembled for conventional snow plow applications.

In this regard, and for purposes of clarity, the elements of a snow plow attachment 10 shown in detail in FIGS. 2A-2C, which comprise a part of an equipment mounting assembly 20, include the main base frame 10A, the vertical pivot 10D, the pair of horizontal angling actuators 10E and the main frame lift attachment coupling 10N of the snow plow attachment 10. The elements of the equipment mounting assembly 20, not shown in detail in FIGS. 2A-2C, such as the chassis mounting mechanism 10G, the frame lift support 10H, the lift arm 10J, the lift connecting member 10M and the lift arm actuator 10O are understood to be the same as, or generally similar to, the elements of the plow attachment 10 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, but without the plow blade 10C attached thereto.

The equipment mounting assembly 20 includes mating components which are utilized to engage with the conventional elements of the snow plow attachment 10, which remain mounted to the vehicle year-round, to assist with converting the conventional snow plow attachment 10 into the equipment mounting assembly 20, according to the present invention. As illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C, the equipment mounting frame 24, of the equipment mounting assembly 20, includes one or more equipment adapters 22 which are suitable for mounting various pieces of equipments, such as a lift platform attachment (see FIG. 3A), a pair of forklift attachments (see FIG. 3B), a crane attachment (see FIG. 3C), a variety of other conventional equipment or tools via a conventional three-point hitch (see FIG. 3A), etc., to the equipment mounting assembly 20.

The exemplary equipment mounting frame 24, illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C, generally includes, for example, a pair of spaced apart horizontally disposed and parallel extending frame base element 26A and frame upper element 26B which both extend transversely with respect to the central axis A of the main base frame 10A and the vehicle 2 and generally along the entire width of the equipment mounting frame 24. A vertically oriented center frame element 26C interconnects a central portion of the frame base element 26A with a central portion of the frame upper element 26B while a pair of outer vertical lateral frame elements 26D interconnect opposed ends of the frame base element 26A with the frame upper element 26B thereby to form a rigid frame structure. In addition, a first intermediate vertical lateral frame element 26E extends vertically between the center frame element 26C and one of the outer vertical lateral frame elements 26D and is affixed to and interconnects the frame base element 26A with the frame upper element 26B. A second intermediate vertical lateral frame element 26E extends vertically between the center frame element 26C and one of the outer vertical lateral frame elements 26D and is affixed to and interconnects the frame base element 26A and the frame upper element 26B.

As will be apparent, from the following discussion, that the equipment mounting frame 24 may include other framing elements depending on, for example, the type or function of the equipment(s) to be mounted to or supported by the equipment mounting frame 24, such as one or more corner brace elements and/or one or more additional horizontal/vertical/diagonal supporting elements, etc., for adding additional rigidity to the equipment mounting frame 24 for heavy lifting applications. Accordingly, it is to be appreciated that the overall shape and arrangement of the equipment frame 24 can vary, from application to application, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The important feature of the equipment mounting frame 24 facilitates attachment to the conventional snow plow attachment 10 and also facilitates support of at least one desired piece of equipment to be controlled by the conventional lift components of the snow plow attachment 10.

For example, the equipment mounting frame 24 may include a conventional three-point hitch which facilitates attachment of a variety of conventional components and pieces of equipment to the equipment mounting frame 24. That is, a pair of vertically extending first and second hitch members 38H are disposed symmetrically on either side of the centerline of the equipment mounting frame 24 and thus on either side of the main base frame 10A and the vehicle 2. The first hitch member 38E, of the conventional three-point hitch, generally comprises a first laterally facing horizontally oriented tapered pin that is mounted on the rear side of the first intermediate vertical lateral frame element 26E. A second hitch member 38E, of the conventional three-point hitch, generally comprises a second laterally facing horizontally oriented tapered pin that is mounted on the rear side of the second intermediate vertical lateral frame element 26E. Both of the first and the second hitch members 38E are spaced slightly rearwardly, by the intermediate vertical lateral frame elements 26E, relative to the equipment mounting frame 24. A lower portion of the equipment mounting frame 24, or possibly an upper portion of the equipment mounting frame 24, supports the third hitch member 38F of the conventional three-point hitch. As variety of well known components can be connected to the conventional three-point hitch in a conventional manner, a further detailed discussion concerning such components and the associated connection of such components to the three point hitch 38E, 38F is not provided but the three point hitch 38E, 38F, supported by the equipment mounting frame 24, facilitates easy attachment of such components to the equipment mounting assembly 20.

According to the embodiment of the equipment frame 24 generally shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, the frame elements 26, 26A, 26B, 26C, 26D and/or 26E comprise, for example, welded metal, e.g., such as steel or aluminum tubing, having a square or rectangular transverse cross section or elements having an L-shaped, an I-shaped or a T-shaped transverse cross section. Other embodiments may, however, use equipment frame elements which have, for example, a circular cross section or some other desired cross-section depending upon the discretion and/or particular needs of the designer or the desired application.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2D and 2E, a frame adaptor 28 facilitates mounting of a central rear portion of the equipment mounting frame 24 to a central forward most portion of the frame apex 10B of the main base frame 10A. A rearward portion of the frame adaptor 28 is generally triangular or A-shaped (see FIG. 2D) and is sized and shaped to intimately overlap and engage with the forward most portion of the frame apex 10B. The rearward portion of the frame adaptor 28 has an aperture which is located so as to align with the conventional the vertical pivot 10D of the frame apex 10B and thereby facilitate securely affixing the frame adaptor 28 to the frame apex 10B via a conventional bolt and nut, a locking pin, etc. As with the conventional snow plow attachment 10, the vertical pivot 10D generally defines a vertical axis V that could permit pivoting or angling of the equipment mounting frame 24 with respect to the frame apex 10B about the vertical axis V, but such pivoting motion is possibly but is generally not required by the equipment mounting frame 24 according to the present invention.

A frame pivot mount 24A is typically permanently secured to the rear surface of the equipment mounting frame 24, closely adjacent both the frame base element 26A and/or the center frame element 26C. A mating adaptor mount 28A, supported by a leading end of the frame adaptor 28. At least one conventional bolt and nut assembly, a locking pin, etc., 28P connects the mating adaptor mount 28A with the frame pivot mount 24A and defines a horizontal tilt axis H that permits forward and rear tilting of a remainder of the equipment mounting frame 24, relative to the frame apex 10B, about the horizontal tilt axis H (see FIG. 2A).

When the equipment mounting frame 24 is mounted to main base frame 10A, a first end of each of the pair of horizontal angling actuators 10E typically remains connected to the main base frame 10A. The opposite end of each of the horizontal angling actuators 10E is first disconnected from the plow blade 10C and then subsequently connected to a corresponding horizontal support bracket 30, supported by a rear surface of the equipment mounting frame 24. Thereafter, the operator actuates and adjusts both of the horizontal angling actuators 10E so that the equipment mounting frame 24 is arranged substantially normal to the central axis A of the main base frame 10A and the vehicle 2, i.e., the equipment mounting frame 24 generally forms a right angle with the central axis A and each of the horizontal angling actuators 10E typically has an equal length to one another. It is to be appreciated that this can be completed before removing the plow blade 10C from the snow plow attachment 10.

In this regard, it will be noted that due to the nature of the various equipments that can be mounted to the equipment mounting assembly 20, via one of the equipment adapters 22, it is typically not necessary for the equipment mounting frame 24 to be pivotable, via the vertical pivot 10D of the frame apex 10B, about the vertical axis V (e.g., to be angled in an orientation other than substantially normal to the central axis A of the vehicle 2) which typically occurs during plowing with the plow blade 10C attached to the snow plow attachment 10. In view of this, if the horizontal angling actuators 10E, which control the angular orientation of the snow plow, are to remain attach to the main base frame 10A and connected to the equipment mounting frame 24, they are generally repositioned so as to have an equal length with one another, as indicated above. Once this is achieved, the conventional hydraulic supply lines, to each of the horizontal angling actuators 10E, then are disconnected and reconnected as discussed below in further detail.

In other embodiments or implementations of the equipment mounting assembly 20, the pair of horizontal angling actuators 10E, for example, may be completely detached and removed from the snow plow attachment 10 and stored for subsequent use when the snow plow is again attached to snow plow attachment 10. In such instances, a pair of fixed length alignment elements 30A may instead respectively interconnection the horizontal support brackets 30 of the equipment mounting frame 24 with the main base frame 10A. That is, each alignment element 30A extends between and interconnects the main base frame 10A with the horizontal support brackets 30. The alignment elements 30A may comprise, for example, chains, wire, ropes, rods or various forms of tubes, beams or virtually any other conventional fixed length or fixedly adjustable member or linkage, if pivoting of to the equipment mounting frame 24 is desired.

As described above, the elements of the equipment mounting assembly 20, for controlling the vertical position or orientation of the frame apex 10B of the main base frame 10A and thus the vertical position or orientation of the equipment mounting frame 24, also includes the frame lift support 10H, the lift arm 10J, the lift connecting member 10M and the lift arm actuator 10O, which, for the sake of clarity, are not specifically shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, but are diagrammatically shown in FIG. 1B.

The rear portion 10F of the main base frame 10A is pivotably mounted to the chassis mounting mechanism 10G by a pair of horizontal pivots 10I and vertical positioning of the frame apex 10B is controlled by the lift actuator 10O and the lift arm 10J acting, via the lift connecting member 10M, which is connected to the main frame lift attachment coupling 10N of the main base frame 10A. By increasing the length of the lift actuator 10O (e.g., by supplying hydraulic fluid to a bottom end of the lift actuator 10O via a first one of the hydraulic supply lines of the snow plow attachment 10), this pivots (e.g., lifts) the lift arm 10J away from the lift chassis mounting mechanism 10G and thereby induces a vertical upward movement of the equipment mounting frame 24, along with any associated equipment mounted via one of the equipment adapters 22 or the three point hitch 38E, 38F, away from the ground. By decreasing the length of the lift actuator 10O (e.g., by supplying hydraulic fluid to a top end of the lift actuator 10O via a second one of the hydraulic supply lines of the snow plow attachment 10), this pivots (i.e., lowers) the lift arm 10J toward the chassis mounting mechanism 10G and thereby induces a vertical downward movement of the equipment mounting frame 24, along with any associated equipment mounted via one of the equipment adapters 22 or the three point hitch, toward from the ground.

It will be recognized that the vertical movement of the frame apex 10B, by the lift actuator 10O and the lift arm 10J, and rotation of the rear portion 10F of the main base frame 10A, about the horizontal pivots 10I, results in a corresponding tilting movement of a plane P defined by the equipment mounting frame 24 (see FIG. 2C). It will also be recognized that such tilting of the equipment mounting frame 24, as the frame apex 10B of the main base frame 10A is correspondingly raised and lowered, may be desirable in some instances but may be undesirable in other instances, depending upon the attachment that may be mounted to or supported by the equipment mounting frame 24, via one of the equipment adapters 22, such as the lift platform attachment (see FIG. 3A), the forklift attachment (see FIG. 3B) or the crane attachment (see FIG. 3C) or the three point hitch and the specific function being performed. That is, the equipment mounting frame 24 will be, when sufficiently vertically raised, may no longer be aligned substantially normal to the ground but will be oriented at an angle of less than or greater than 90 degrees with respect to the ground.

For this reason, and as described above, the equipment mounting frame 24 is pivotably mounted to the main base frame 10A, via the frame adaptor 28, which permits tilting rotation of the equipment mounting frame 24 about horizontal tilt axis H, defined by the horizontal pivot 28P, as the frame apex 10B of the main base frame 10A is correspondingly raised and lowered, to thereby allow the equipment mounting frame 24 to be adjusted into a desired tilted orientation, e.g., the plane P defined by the equipment mounting frame 24 may be generally maintained a substantially vertical orientation and substantially perpendicular to the ground depending upon the particular application. That is, this tilting mechanism facilitates adjustment of the orientation of the equipment mounting frame 24 so that the equipment mounting frame 24 can be generally maintained, as desired, in a substantially vertical position or orientation relative to the ground as the equipment mounting frame 24 is raised and lowered with respect to the ground.

As shown in FIG. 2B, a frame tilt actuator 34 interconnects a main attachment frame pivot 34A, of the main base frame 10A, with an equipment mounting frame pivot 34B, of the equipment mounting frame 24, for controlling both forward and rearward tilting of the equipment mounting frame 24, about the horizontal tilt axis H defined by the horizontal pivot 28P, and thereby adjust the orientation of the equipment mounting frame 24 with respect to the ground. The main attachment frame pivot 34A is fixedly supported by an upwardly facing surface of the main base frame 10A, or possibly by an upwardly facing surface of the frame adaptor 28, while the equipment mounting frame pivot 34B is fixedly supported by an intermediate section of the rear surface of the equipment mounting frame 24, preferably a rear surface of the center frame element 26C. In the event that the main attachment frame pivot 34A is supported by the frame adapter 28, then this avoids the need to modify the main base frame 10A, in any way, in order to attach or secure the main attachment frame pivot 34A thereto. To facilitate actuation of the frame tilt actuator 34, a first one of the hydraulic supply lines, of the pair of horizontal angling actuators 10E, is connected to supply hydraulic fluid to a first end of a cylinder of the frame tilt actuator 34, for supplying hydraulic fluid to the first end of the cylinder and driving an internal piston contained therein in a first direction, while a second one of the hydraulic supply lines, of the pair of horizontal angling actuators 10E, is connected to supply hydraulic fluid to an opposed second end of the cylinder of the frame tilt actuator 34, for supplying hydraulic fluid thereto and driving the internal piston in an opposite second direction. As a result of such connection of the frame tilt actuator 34, the operator of the vehicle is thereby permitted to readily control the orientation of the vertical plane P of the equipment mounting frame 24 about the horizontal tilt axis H defined by the horizontal pivot 28P.

Actuation of the equipment frame tilt actuator 34 thereby allows the equipment mounting frame 24 to be adjusted or tilted forward or backward, about the horizontal tilt axis H, so that the equipment mounting frame 24 can be maintained in a substantially vertical position or orientation, relative to the ground, as the equipment mounting frame 24 is raised and lowered by the lift actuator 10O and the lift arm 10J. It is to be appreciated that in some instances, a certain amount of forward tilting of the equipment mounting frame 24 may be desired, such as when picking up an object(s) or item(s) with the forklift attachments (see FIG. 3B) or utilizing gravity to assist with sliding an object(s) or item(s) off or on to the lift platform attachment (see FIG. 3A), or a certain amount of rearward tilting of the equipment mounting frame 24 may be desired so as to assist with retaining an object(s) or item(s) on the forklift attachments (see FIG. 3B) or the lift platform attachment (see FIG. 3A), e.g., such as when transporting an object(s) or item(s) with the forklift attachments or on the lift platform attachment to another location.

Next considering the various attachments that may be mounted to the equipment mounting frame 24, and the equipment adapters 22 by which such various attachments may be mounted to the equipment mounting frame 24, such attachments may include, for example, a set of lift platform attachments 36 or a conventional three-point hitch 38E, 38F, as illustrated in FIG. 3A, a forklift attachment 42 as illustrated in FIG. 3B and/or a crane attachment 40, as illustrated in FIG. 3C.

Referring first to the lift platform attachment 36 of FIG. 3A, the lift platform attachment generally comprises a rectangular lift platform frame 36A. The rectangular lift platform frame 36A, in turn, comprises three spaced apart and parallel lateral framework elements 36B which are fixedly and permanently interconnected with one another, e.g., by welding for example, by a pair of spaced apart transverse framework element 36C. A load support member 36D generally overlies and is affixed to the top surface of the lift platform frame 36A to form a support surface for carrying an object(s) or item(s), via the lift platform attachment 36, and also thereby adds further structural integrity and rigidity to the lift platform frame 36A.

A free end of each one of the three spaced apart and parallel lateral framework elements 36B comprises a female frame engagement socket 36E. The frame base element 26A, of the equipment mounting frame 24, is provided with a corresponding equipment adapter 22 which, in this instance, comprises three spaced apart corresponding male lift platform members 36S. When the three corresponding male lift platform members 36S are respectively received by and within the mating three female frame engagement sockets 36E, the lift platform attachment 36 is securely but releasably fastened or attached to the equipment mounting frame 24, and thus to the equipment mounting frame 24, via the corresponding equipment adapter 22.

According to this embodiment, the lateral framework elements 36B and the transverse framework element 36C, of the rectangular lift platform frame 36A, generally comprise, for example, welded metal, such as steel or aluminum tubing, having a square or rectangular transverse cross section which is slightly larger in size that the dimensions of the corresponding male lift platform members 36S so that the lift platform attachment 36 can be easily and quickly connected to and disconnected from the corresponding equipment adapters 22 of the equipment mounting frame 24, as desired by the operator. It is to be appreciated that the female frame engagement sockets 36E may include a set screw (not shown), or some other conventional securing component which, when tighten, securely attaches the received male lift platform member 36S with the female frame engagement socket 36E and prevents inadvertent disconnection or removal therefrom.

It is to be appreciated that the male member 36S may be located at the free end of each of the three lateral framework elements 36B while a respective female frame engagement socket 36E may be supported by the equipment mounting frame 24, without departing form the present invention. Alternatively, if so desired, the lift platform attachment 36 can be formed integrally with or permanently attached to the equipment mounting frame 24, e.g., by welding or the like.

The load support member 36D may comprise, for example, a sheet of plywood, a metal plate, a metal mesh, a metal screen, a perforated metal plate, etc., which overlies the top surface of the rectangular lift platform frame 36A and facilitates supporting a desired object(s), item(s), piece of equipment(s), pallet(s), etc., on the lift platform attachment 36 so as to assist with transporting the desired object(s), item(s), piece of equipment(s), pallet(s), etc., from one location to another. The load support member 36D is typically secured to the top surface of the lift platform frame 36A in a conventional manner, e.g., by screws, bolts, fasteners, welding, etc., so as to prevent any undesired relative movement between the load support member 36D and the lift platform frame 36A and ensure that the load support member 36D remains securely attached thereto.

When the lift platform attachment 36 is mounted to the equipment mounting frame 24, via engagement between the female frame engagement sockets 36E and the male members 36S, any associated movement of the vehicle 2 facilitates relocation of the lift platform attachment 36 to a desired operational location. Once at the desired operational location, the operator can actuate the lift arm actuator 10O so that the lift arm 10J is moved vertically either upward or downward and the frame apex 10B and the equipment mounting frame 24, along with the mounted lift platform attachment 36, are correspondingly moved vertically upward or downward. Such actuation of the lift arm actuator 10O facilitates vertical repositioning of the lift platform attachment 36 to a desired vertical position relative to the ground. At the same time, operation of the equipment frame tilt actuator 34 permits desired reorientation of the lift platform attachment 36, relative to the ground, so that the lift platform attachment 36 can be maintained in a substantially horizontal orientation, unless a certain amount of forward or rearward tilt of the lift platform attachment 36 is otherwise desired by the operator, such as when unloading or unloading the lift platform attachment 36.

With reference now to FIG. 3B, a detailed description concerning the forklift attachment 42 will now be provided. As shown in this Figure, the forklift attachment 42 includes a pair of separate first and second generally L-shaped forklift prongs 42A, each of which slidably engages with a horizontal rod 100 which is supported by a rear portion of the mounting frame 24. As illustrated, each one of the forklift prong 42A includes a horizontally extending leading prong section 42B and an integral vertically oriented mounting section 42C. As shown, the leading end of the prong section 42B typically tapers or feathers into a relatively thin leading end which permits the leading end of each of the forklift attachments 42 to readily slide under and engage with a desired item(s), object(s), equipment(s), pallet(s), etc., to be picked up in a conventional manner. A rear portion of an upper section of each mounting section 42C of the forklift prongs 42A includes a (cylindrical) mounting sleeve or element 42D that is correspondingly sized and shaped to closely but slidably receive a horizontal rod 100 which is supported by the equipment mounting frame 24.

The leading prong section 42B and the mounting section 42C both generally comprise, for example, is solid piece of metal, such as steel or aluminum, which has a generally rectangular cross section. The leading prong section 42B and the mounting section 42C, of each forklift prong 42A, may be formed as, for example, a single piece of metal which is bent into an L-shaped configuration, in a conventional manner, or maybe formed as two or more separate pieces of metal which are welded or otherwise integrally connected together with one another.

As shown in FIG. 3B, either the frame elements 26C, 26D and/or 26E or a rear surface of at least two of the lateral frame elements 26D and/or 26E and possibly a rear surface of the central frame element 26C of the equipment mounting frame 24, each support a respective rod aperture or sleeve 26F. All of the rod apertures or sleeves 26F are supported by the lateral and central frame elements 26C, 26D, 26E adjacent the frame upper element 26B, and aligned with one another so as to facilitate receiving and supporting the horizontal rod 100. Each one of the rod apertures or sleeves 26F is sized to intimately receive, retain and secure the horizontal rod 100 to the equipment mounting frame 24 and thereby facilitate converting the equipment mounting frame 24 into a dual prong forklift.

If desired, each oppose end of the horizontal rod 100 can extend a small distance, e.g., a few inches or so (see FIG. 3B), past each oppose end of respective rod apertures or sleeves 26F. A retaining pin (not shown) may extend through a through hole provided adjacent at least one, or possibly both opposed ends of the horizontal rod 100 or such a retaining pin (not shown) may extend through a through hole which extends through both the horizontal rod 100 and one of the rod apertures or sleeves 26F hole so as to prevent inadvertent or unintentional removal of the horizontal rod 100 from the rod apertures or sleeves 26F of the equipment mounting frame 24. Alternatively, one of the rod apertures or sleeves 26F may be closed at one end to form a blind hole or stop which prevents further insertion of the horizontal rod 100 therein or possibly a frictional engagement, between the rod apertures or sleeves 26F and the horizontal rod 100, may be sufficient to retain the horizontal rod 100 securely engagement with the rod apertures or sleeves 26F of the equipment mounting frame 24.

To facilitate attachment of the forklift prongs 42A, the equipment mounting frame 24 is typically located on or lowered to the ground. The horizontal rod 100 is generally removed from engagement with all but possibly one of the mating the rod apertures or sleeves 26F by removing any retaining pin and then pulling on one end of the horizontal rod 100 so that the horizontal rod 100 is at least sufficiently removed from the desired rod apertures or sleeves 26F. Thereafter, each one of the mounting sleeves or elements 42D, of the forklift prongs 42A, is suitably aligned with a leading end of the partially removed horizontal rod 100. Once the mounting sleeves or elements 42D are properly aligned, the leading end of the horizontal rod 100 is then sequently passed through the first mounting sleeve or element 42D, possibly the central rod aperture or sleeve 26F, and then second mounting sleeve or element 42D. Thereafter, the leading end of the horizontal rod 100 is then finally reengaged with the rod aperture or sleeve 26F located on the opposite end of the equipment mounting frame 24.

As a result of such attachment, each one of the forklift prongs 42A is slideably supported by the horizontal rod 100 and can be adjusted by a limited degree toward or away from one another, by sliding one or both of the forklift prongs 42A along the horizontal rod 100 into a desired adjusted orientation. A rear surface of the bent section of each one of the forklift prongs 42A typically abuts against the frame base element 26A so as to prevent downward pivoting movement of each of the forklift prongs 42A about the horizontal rod 100. As a result of such abutting engagement with the frame base element 26A and due to the inherent weight of the forklift prongs 42A, the forklift prongs 42A generally remain in their adjusted orientation or position during use of the forklift prongs 42A.

As in the case of the lift platform attachment 36, when the forklift prongs 42A are mounted to the equipment mounting frame 24, any associated movement of the vehicle 2 facilitates relocation of the forklift prongs 42A to a desired operational location. Once at the desired operational location, the operator can then actuate the lift arm actuator 10O so that the lift arm 10J is moved either vertically upward or downward. The frame apex 10B and the equipment mounting frame 24, along with the mounted forklift prongs 42A, are correspondingly moved vertically upward or downward. Such actuation of the lift arm actuator 10O facilitates vertical repositioning of the forklift prongs 42A to a desired vertical position relative to the ground. At the same time, operation of the equipment frame tilt actuator 34 permits desired reorientation of the forklift prongs 42A, relative to the ground, so that the forklift prongs 42A can be maintained in a substantially horizontal orientation, unless a certain amount of forward or rearward tilt of the forklift prongs 42A is otherwise desired by the operator, such as when unloading or unloading the forklift prongs 42A.

Referring next to FIG. 3C, this embodiment relates to a crane attachment 40 which comprises, for example, a vertical crane member 40A which is mounted to and extends generally vertically upward from another equipment adapter 22, in this instance a crane mount 40B of the equipment mounting frame 24. The crane mount 40B generally comprises an upward extension of the center frame element 26C and, in a typical embodiment, the crane mount 40B and the crane vertical member 40A each comprise, for example, steel or aluminum tubing having corresponding and mating square or rectangular transverse cross sections, with the (female) crane vertical member 40A typically having a slightly larger transverse open cross-sectional area than the overall cross sectional area of the (male) crane mount 40B so that the female crane vertical member 40A surrounds and encases the male crane mount 40B and abuts against the frame upper element 26B which functions as a stop. Alternatively, the (male) crane vertical member 40A may have a slightly smaller transverse cross section area than the transverse cross section area of the (female) crane mount 40B so that the (female) crane mount 40B surrounds and encases the (male) crane vertical member 40A and a stop member (e.g., the frame upper element 26B or possibly the frame base element 26A), located within the crane mount 40B, prevents further insertion of the (male) crane vertical member 40A within the (female) crane mount 40B.

The crane attachment 40 further includes a horizontal crane arm 40C which is attached to and extends forward from the upper portion of the vertical crane member 40A. The length of the horizontal crane arm 40C is typically determined by the desired weight, capacity and size of “load” to be lifted/hoisted by the crane attachment 40 as well as the stability limitations of the vehicle 2 and an associated winch 40F. The horizontal crane arm 40C may be formed as a part of or as a completely separate component which is affixed to the vertical crane member 40A. In the latter case, the horizontal crane arm 40C may be mounted to the vertical crane member 40A by hinged or pivoted connection so as to permit the horizontal crane arm 40C to be stowed against or along the side of the vertical crane member 40A, when not in use, or to permit adjustment of the relative angle to be formed between the vertical crane member 40A and the horizontal crane arm 40C and thereby alter the capacity of the crane attachment 40. If desired, the horizontal crane arm 40C may be of a telescoping design so as to facilitate adjustment of the length that the horizontal crane arm 40C extends, from one application to another application, from the vertical crane member 40A.

As shown, the crane attachment 40 will typically include at least a first pulley 40D securely suspended adjacent a leading free section or end of the horizontal crane arm 40C and possibly at least one intermediate pulley(s) 40E suspend along a path between first pulley 40D and the conventional winch 40F. The wench 40F can either be fixedly or releaseably mounted to, for example, the equipment attachment frame 24, in a conventional manner as diagrammatically illustrated, or possibly to the chassis mounting mechanism 10G or the chassis of the vehicle 2. The wench 40F is located so as to guide a crane cable 40G from the winch 40F around at least the first pulley 40D and any intermediate pulley(s) 40E, if present, to the “load” to be lifted/hoisted, e.g., an item(s), object(s), equipment(s), pallet(s), etc., which is located vertically below the free end of crane arm 40C. It is to be appreciated that the winch 40F may comprise either a hydraulically or an electrically driven winch or possible a winch directly driven by a power take off from the engine or the drive train of the vehicle 2.

As discussed above with regard to the lift platform attachment 36 and the forklift attachment 42, when the crane attachment 40 is mounted to the equipment mounting frame 24, any associated movement of the vehicle 2 facilitates relocation of the crane attachment 40 to a desired operational location. Once at the desired operational location, if necessary, the operator can actuate the lift arm actuator 10O so that the lift arm 10J is moved vertically either upward or downward and the frame apex 10B and the equipment mounting frame 24, along with the mounted crane attachment 40, are correspondingly moved either vertically upward or downward. Such actuation of the lift arm actuator 10O facilitate vertical repositioning of the crane attachment 40 to a desired vertical position relative to the ground. At the same time, operation of the equipment frame tilt actuator 34 permits desired reorientation of the crane attachment 40 relative to the ground so that the crane attachment 40 can be maintained in a substantially vertical orientation, unless a certain amount of forward or rearward tilt of the crane attachment 40 is otherwise desired by the operator, such as when hitching or unhitching of the crane attachment 40.

As is conventional in the art, the conventional controls for controlling the snow plow attachment 10 are typically located within the cabin of the vehicle 2 which has the snow plow attachment 10 attached thereto. A viewing camera C, only diagrammatically shown, can be mounted on the equipment mounting frame 24, the snow plow attachment 10 or on the vehicle 2, while an interconnected video display monitor or console M may be located within the cabin of the vehicle 2 in order to provide remote visibility for the operator when using one of the attachments, such as the lift platform attachment, the forklift attachments, the crane attachment or a desired piece of equipment to be attached to the three-point hitch. When the camera is operating, the operator of the vehicle 2 can directly view the actual position of the specific attachment, attached to the equipment mounting assembly 20, relative to the desired item(s), object(s), equipment(s), pallet(s), etc., to be removed, transported, lifted, hoisted, etc., without the operator having to leave or exit the vehicle 2 and this facilitates ease of use of the equipment mounting frame 24.

In the above description and appended drawings, it is to be appreciated that only the terms “consisting of” and “consisting only of” are to be construed in the limitative sense while of all other terms are to be construed as being open-ended and given the broadest possible meaning.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that various modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to and be readily apparent those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present invention, as set forth in the appended claims. Further, the invention(s) described herein is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various other related ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. 

Wherefore, I/we claim:
 1. An equipment mounting assembly for releaseable attachment of a desired equipment to a snowplow attachment, the equipment mounting assembly comprising: an equipment mounting frame having at least one equipment adapter for releaseable attachment of the desired equipment thereto; a first end of a frame adaptor is pivotally attached, by a horizontal pivot, to a rear portion of the equipment mounting frame so as to facilitate titling of the equipment mounting frame, and a second end of the frame adaptor being engageable with a forward portion of a frame apex of a snowplow attachment; first and second spaced apart support brackets being supported by the equipment mounting frame, and each of the first and the second support brackets facilitates coupling the equipment mounting frame with the snowplow attachment to provide stability for the equipment mounting assembly; and a first end of a frame tilt actuator being supported by the equipment mounting frame at a located spaced from the frame adaptor, and a second end of the frame tilt actuator being attachable to one of the frame adaptor and the snowplow attachment so as to facilitate forward and rearward tilting of the equipment mounting frame about a horizontal tilt axis defined by the horizontal pivot.
 2. The equipment mounting assembly according to claim 1, wherein the frame adaptor has an aperture which is alignable with a vertical pivot of the frame apex to facilitate attaching the frame adaptor to the frame apex.
 3. The equipment mounting assembly according to claim 1, wherein a first angling actuator, of the snowplow attachment, interconnects the first support bracket, of the equipment mounting frame, with a main base frame of the snowplow attachment, and a second angling actuator, of the snowplow attachment, interconnects the second support bracket, of the equipment mounting frame, with the main base frame of the snowplow attachment.
 4. The equipment mounting assembly according to claim 1, wherein a first fixed length alignment element interconnects the first support bracket, of the equipment mounting frame, with a main base frame of the snowplow attachment, and a second fixed length alignment element interconnects the second support bracket, of the equipment mounting frame, with the main base frame of the snowplow attachment.
 5. The equipment mounting assembly according to claim 1, wherein the equipment mounting frame comprises at least a frame base element and a center frame element which are connected with one another to form the equipment mounting frame.
 6. The equipment mounting assembly according to claim 1 wherein the equipment mounting frame comprises a frame base element and a frame upper element which are spaced apart and extend parallel to one another, a vertically center frame element interconnects the frame base element with the frame upper element, and respective outer lateral frame elements interconnect opposed ends of the frame base element with the frame upper element to form a frame structure.
 7. The equipment mounting assembly according to claim 3, wherein a first intermediate vertical lateral frame element extends vertically between the center frame element and one of the outer vertical lateral frame elements and interconnects the frame base element with the frame upper element, and a second intermediate vertical lateral frame element extends vertically between the center frame element and the other outer vertical lateral frame element and interconnects the frame base element with the frame upper element.
 8. The equipment mounting assembly according to claim 6, wherein each frame element has one of a square transverse cross section, a rectangular transverse cross section, an L-shaped transverse cross section, an I-shaped transverse cross section, a T-shaped transverse cross section and a circular shaped cross section.
 9. The equipment mounting assembly according to claim 1, wherein the desired equipment comprises one of a lift platform, a pair of forklift, and a crane.
 10. The equipment mounting assembly according to claim 1, wherein the equipment mounting frame supports a three-point hitch which facilitates attachment of a variety of components and equipment to the equipment mounting frame,
 11. The equipment mounting assembly according to claim 10, wherein the three-point hitch comprises a spaced apart pair of horizontal first and second hitch members and a lower portion of the equipment mounting frame supports the third hitch member of the three-point hitch.
 12. The equipment mounting assembly according to claim 1, wherein the desired equipment comprises a lift platform frame which comprises framework elements which are fixedly and permanently interconnected with one another, and a load support member overlies and is supported by a top surface of the lift platform frame to form a support surface.
 13. The equipment mounting assembly according to claim 13, wherein at least one of the lift platform and the equipment mounting frame comprises at least one female socket while the other of the lift platform and the equipment mounting frame comprises at least one mating male member which is sized to engage with the female socket and facilitate releasable support of the lift platform to the equipment mounting frame.
 14. The equipment mounting assembly according to claim 1, wherein the desired equipment comprises a pair of first and second generally forklift prongs which are attached to the equipment mounting frame by a rod which is supported by the mounting frame.
 15. The equipment mounting assembly according to claim 14, wherein each one of the forklift prongs comprises a leading prong section and an integral vertically oriented mounting section, a rear portion of each mounting section comprises a mounting element that is sized and shaped to engage with the rod supported by the equipment mounting frame.
 16. The equipment mounting assembly according to claim 15, wherein a rod sleeve is supported by the equipment mounting frame, and each rod sleeve is sized to intimately engage with the rod and retained the rod attached to the equipment mounting frame.
 17. The equipment mounting assembly according to claim 1, wherein the desired equipment comprises a crane attachment which is attached to the equipment mounting frame by the equipment adapter, the crane attachment comprises a vertical crane member which is mounted to and extends vertically from the equipment mounting frame, the crane attachment supports at least one pulley and includes a winch.
 18. The equipment mounting assembly according to claim 1, wherein the crane attachment further includes a horizontal crane arm which extends forward from the vertical crane member, and a free end of the horizontal crane arm supports the at least one pulley.
 19. A method of releasably attaching desired equipment to a snowplow attachment via an equipment mounting assembly, the method comprising the steps of: providing an equipment mounting frame having at least one equipment adapter for releaseable attachment of the desired equipment thereto; pivotally attaching a first end of a frame adaptor, via a horizontal pivot, to a rear portion of the equipment mounting frame so as to facilitate titling of the equipment mounting frame, engaging a second end of the frame adaptor with a forward portion of a frame apex of a snowplow attachment; supporting first and second spaced apart support brackets by the equipment mounting frame, and the first and the second support brackets facilitate coupling the equipment mounting frame with the snowplow attachment to provide stability for the equipment mounting assembly; and supporting a first end of a frame tilt actuator via the equipment mounting frame, at a located spaced from the frame adaptor, and attaching a second end of the frame tilt actuator to one of the frame adaptor and the snowplow attachment so as to facilitate forward and rearward tilting of the equipment mounting frame about a horizontal tilt axis defined by the horizontal pivot. 